American International College’s Griswold Theatre was packed on a Friday afternoon in late April. But this time, it was not for a theatrical performance.

The recent increase in violence in the AIC neighborhood prompted a forum to address the community’s concerns. Students, faculty, and even parents attended the panel-based discussion.

“We will knock this down,” said Mayor Domenic Sarno addressing the students. “I need you to be ambassadors in moving forward.”

The panel members included Sarno and members of his office along with Police Commissioner John Barbieri.

Members of AIC were headed by President Vincent Maniaci and also included Dean of Students Brian O’Shaugnessy. Campus safety officials were present as well including Chief of Police David Kuzmenski and Captain David Standen.

Natural to President Maniaci’s character, he reassured his dedication to the entire AIC community and vocalized his trust in the city of Springfield.

“I tell you I am absolutely dedicated to your academic success, to your co-curricular success and to your athletic success,” Maniaci said. “And I am absolutely committed to your personal well-being and your safety.”

Some coaches and professors required their students to attend this meeting, which resulted in more than 500 members of the community being present.

Commissioner Barbieri assured the audience that after thorough investigations; AIC was not the target of the recent stray bullets.

Campus police chief Standen then outlined the timeline of events, two of which hit The Hive.

The first incident, on March 29, was reported by a dining employee who thought a rock hit the window. The incident on April 21 was also believed to be a rock that hit a window.

The first bullet that hit The Hive landed on a second story floor. The following bullet did not make it passed the second layer of the window.

Other shots were fired on nearby streets including Oak Grove, Maynard and Burr Street.

Mayor Sarno shared that he had once attended AIC and is working with city officials to develop a long-term solution to this surge in violence.

“Ninety-nine percent of the residents of Springfield are good people,” said Sarno.

Although the panel explained that local, state and federal officials are involved in this “unfortunate phenomenon of urban America,” students were still active in the question and answer session.

Many students and even one who identified himself as a parent asked questions, and many answers by panelists were long and thoughtful. Some students with questions were eventually turned away due to a lack of time.

Commissioner Barbieri discussed the logistics about the recent “posses” of gang members who are believed to have a rivalry with a Hartford gang.

Barbieri and Kuzmenski, further clarified the tactics including saturating the neighborhood with police presence and reaching out to the community for help in reporting suspicious activity.

“The campus is the safest it’s ever been,” said Kuzmenski.

During Kuzmenski’s 30-plus years working for AIC, campus police personnel has increased along with the equipment and number of cameras. There are now over 100 security cameras on campus.

Students and faculty responded with numerous applauds. However, other students were still skeptical.

“We don’t know you, sir,” said student Shameka Brice. “We see you when something bad has happened, but that’s all.”

Much of the students’ concerns stemmed from the campus and city’s reactivity opposed to desired proactivity.

Members of the mayor’s office addressed the crowd in a stern manner. Although they mentioned the Mason Square initiative numerous times, it was not discussed in more detail.

While the long-term goals were clearly identified by officials on the panel, students were displeased with how their safety will be improved tomorrow and in the immediate future.

While final reactions of the forum vary, one thing is clear: AIC takes its safety seriously.